The Role and Functions of the Kenya Police Service

The composition, roles and functions of the Kenya police service are stipulated in the National Police Service Act. The Kenya police service is one of the three branches of the National Police Service.

The other two branches are the Administration Police (AP) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police is the head of the Service. They are answerable to the Inspector General of Police in implementing their functions.

Composition of the Kenya Police Service

The Kenya Police Service shall consist of the ranks set forth in the First Schedule of the National Police Service Act. The Kenya police ranks in Kenya are as follows:

1. Inspector-General.
2. Deputy Inspector-General.
3. Senior Assistant Inspector-General.
4. Assistant Inspector-General.
5. Senior Superintendent.
6. Superintendent.
7. Assistant Superintendent.
8. Chief Inspector.
9. Inspector.
10. Senior Sergeant.
11. Sergeant.
12. Corporal.
13. Constable.

The Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters relating to the National Police Service may, on the advice of the Inspector General, by order published in the Kenya Gazette, amend the First Schedule.

The Cabinet Secretary shall not amend the ranks of the Inspector-General or the Deputy Inspector-General.

Functions of the Kenya Police Service

The functions of the Kenya Police Service shall be the–

• provision of assistance to the public when in need;
• maintenance of law and order;
• preservation of peace;
• protection of life and property;
• investigation of crimes;
• collection of criminal intelligence;
• prevention and detection of crime;
• the apprehension of offenders;
• enforcement of all laws and regulations with which it is charged; and
• performance of any other duties that may be prescribed by the Inspector-General under the National Police Service Act or any other written law from time to time.

The website of the Kenya Police Service is at kenyapolice.go.ke.